Hot!
Ghana tackle Cranes of Uganda in Marrakech today
Ghana will play Uganda in their second international friendly in Morocco as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June.
The Black Stars lost to the Super Eagles of Nigeria 2-1 in Marrakech on Friday, March 26 2024, despite an improved second half performance at Grande de Stade Marrakech where Nigeria scored in either half to take a commanding lead before Jordan Ayew pulled one back through a 95th minute penalty.
Otto Addo named a blend of young and experienced squad for these friendlies with some of his key players missing. Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, Joseph Painstil, Mohammed Kudus, Alexander Djiku, Daniel Amartey and Inaki Williams were left out of the squad for injury concerns but youngsters like Forson Amankwah, Ebenezer Annan, Ibrahim Osman, Ernest Nuamah and Jerome Opoku put in an astonishing performance against Nigeria to give the coach a selection dilemma for the forthcoming games in June.
Ghana started the game with Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Alidu Seidu, Patrick Kpozo, Edmund Addo and Jerome Opoku in the five-man backline. In midfield, the coach opted for Baba Iddrisu, Abdul Samed Salis and Forson Amankwah as he named Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo and Ernest Nuamah in the front three.
The gaffer later switched to the three back system by moving Alidu Seidu to the left and introduced Tariq Lamptey on the right wing position with Ebenezer Annan coming on for Baba Iddrisu later on. The switch gave Ghana more energy despite being reduced to 10 men in the 56th minute following a red card to Jerome Opoku.
On the other hand, Uganda was crashed 4-0 by Comoros in their first game and will come into this match as wounded lions hoping to have a go at the Stars to redeem themselves. Uganda have been a pain in the neck of Ghana in recent years with both nations having one win each in their last five games with the other three ending in a draw.
Ghana’s last win over Uganda was in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon where Andre Ayew scored a penalty to hand Ghana all the spoils in the group stage. Whilst Uganda’s last win dates back to 2015 when Savio Kabugo scored to give them the three points in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Kampala.
Ghana coach Otto Addo is expected to ring some changes to the squad by bringing in experienced players like Mohammed Salisu, Andre Ayew, Tariq Lamptey and Joseph Wollacott, whiles Ibrahim Osman, Ebenezer Annan, Francis Abu and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku wait for their chance.
The Black Stars are on a rebuilding exercise after crashing out of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote D’Ivoire following one defeat and two draws in the group phase.
The experience from these games will help Otto Addo to assess his team ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June. Ghana will travel to Bamako to take on Mali before hosting Central African Republic in Kumasi.
The game against Uganda is scheduled for 16:00 Hrs Kick Off at Grande de Stade Marrakech on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.
Hot!
Zipline, GHS reduce maternal mortality in Ashanti Region by 56.4% – Study
A recent impact assessment study on aerial logistics to improve maternal health and emergencies has revealed a remarkable reduction in maternal mortality by 56.4% in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Zipline and the Ghana Health Service (GHS).
This was revealed at the National Ghana Health Service Research Conference organized by the Ghana Health Service in partnership with Zipline. The study, which focused on the impact of aerial logistics in healthcare, also noted a 19.9% increase in antenatal visits and a 25% rise in in-facility births, signaling a significant boost in maternal health outcomes.
The success according to the study is attributed to the on-demand availability of blood and essential medical supplies provided by Zipline’s innovative drone delivery system. This consistent access to critical resources has increased patient confidence in the healthcare system, encouraging more mothers to seek necessary care throughout their pregnancies.
Speaking on the highlight of the study, the Research Officer at Ashanti Regional Health Directorate stated, “the significant decrease in maternal mortality we’ve seen is a clear indication of the vital role that reliable access to medical supplies plays in healthcare. The ability to deliver blood and essential medicines exactly when they’re needed has transformed how mothers in the Ashanti Region perceive and engage with the healthcare system.”
“It’s an achievement that speaks to the importance of introducing technology in healthcare delivery. Mothers now feel more confident in seeking care, knowing that they will receive the support they need throughout their pregnancies,”he stated.
The study examined data from 191 health facilities, including hospitals, health centers, and Community-based Health and Planning Services (CHPS) Compounds. Among these, 99 facilities were served by Zipline’s aerial logistics, while 91 were not. The research employed adjusted rates for various key indicators, such as antenatal consultations, emergency visits, referrals, live births, hysterectomies, maternal deaths, and neonatal deaths, as the main dependent variables.
The qualitative aspect of the study aimed to describe and analyze the changes in satisfaction levels among healthcare providers and patients, perceived quality of care in maternal health and emergencies, and experiences related to the use of aerial logistics. In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 patients and 23 healthcare providers at the participating facilities.
Globally, maternal mortality remains a critical public health challenge, with stark disparities between high-income and low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the majority of maternal deaths occur in LMICs, often due to preventable causes. In Ghana, particularly in the Ashanti Region, the problem is critical, reflecting the broader challenges faced across the African continent. Beyond this, socio-economic, geographic, and infrastructural factors intensify the risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions to improve maternal health outcomes.
As maternal mortality continues to pose a challenge in low-to-middle-income countries, the success seen in Ghana’s Ashanti Region offers a promising model for other regions and nations striving to improve maternal health outcomes through innovative solutions.
Zipline is poised to continue leading the way in revolutionizing healthcare delivery, ensuring that every mother has access to the life-saving resources, no matter where she lives.
Hot!
Traders, ‘Okada’ riders take over Circle pavement
• Korle-Bu CEO with staff of Nivaansh MediQas
Activities of traders and drug addicts are contributing to make the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange (Circle) area very uncomfortable and unsafe for commuters.
Day in and out, pedestrians are ‘ejected’ from the pavement created for their safety as traders preferred to sell their wares on that space.
That hinders the free movement of the pedestrians.
The small space left for the pedestrians are also shared with ‘Okada’ riders.
As if these woes are not enough for a commuter on a single day, they also have to navigate carefully to avoid clashes with drug addicts and the mentally challenged.
These people have turned the pavements into their places of abode, covering every inch of space with their wares.
Our photographer, Lizzy Okai, captures some of the unfriendly scenes the authorities must try and deal with to restore sanity to the area.
By Lizzy Okai
